hi everyone my first time on here,
I’m a nuts & bolts type of guy not IT
Have a fault with my td5 auto box & need some input,
Starts in any gear and drives in P & D? No reverse, No lights on dash indicating in gear or P & D?
Looking forward to your comments

unplug the xyz switch on lhs of gear box then try,

Do the m&s lights flash.
If you have access to dedicated diagnostics check that your vehicle is still registered as an automatic as apparently it is a known fault for it to change to a manual without reason.
If you have the fault codes read and they say xyz switch fault, please be aware that this only means that the body control unit ( bcu) or electronic automatic transmission (eat) ecu are not receiving a recognised signal from the xyz switch and not a definitive diagnosis that the switch is faulty as this can be caused by faults in the wiring loom and at about £450 for a new genuine switch this can be an expensive purchase if it does not cure your fault as i found out

Thanks for input,
I’ve removed the XYZ switch opened it up & it seems ok, it’s clean inside, also I’ve tried some continuity checks from loom plug through to micro switches in XYZ assembly & all seems ok,
Also must clarify my original post, it starts ok when in P&N, Rev it up in P&N & it drives forwards, when reverse engaged it drives forwards, again no lights on on the dash whatever, seems not to change up when driven in D (auto):

Your symptoms strongly indicate that your body control unit has changed your vehical status from automatic to manual and this can be easily remedied by someone with a nanocom / hawkeye or a garage with appropriate fault reader.
Post your enquiry in discovery td5 forum giving details of your vehicle and someone local may be able to help you.